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By Rebecca Renshaw<\/p>\n
In Bob Barrick\u2019s life, everything has been earned. But it has also been founded on his educational experience at SIU.<\/p>\n
To give back, Barrick has donated $250,000, including $100,000 for scholarships, to make a difference for future students. His gift will benefit SIU\u2019s Enrollment Management office. He\u2019s also committed another $150,000, which is yet to be allocated.<\/p>\n
\u201cSIU holds a soft spot in my heart,\u201d he said. \u201cIt contributed to my success in life. If I can help one or two others in life, then that\u2019s what it is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barrick grew up in Lincoln, Illinois, and had family living in Marion. After a short stint at Bradley University, he decided to come to Southern Illinois.<\/p>\n
Barrick was the first in his family to earn a four-year college degree, graduating from SIU in 1962 with a degree in marketing. He worked his way through college as a soda jerk at Thompson Woods.<\/p>\n
At the time, ROTC service was mandatory for all male students, so Barrick spent three years on an American base in Japan doing financial work after he graduated.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was away from home for three Thanksgivings, three Christmases, and three New Year\u2019s. I was extremely homesick by the time those three years were up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After his service, Barrick worked for oil companies across the Midwest, ending up in Detroit. Over the years, he has expanded his investment in oil companies through his business, Barrick Enterprises.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked my butt off. No one gave me anything,\u201d he said. \u201cCollege education is very important. I want to help open the door to get others to go to college. It\u2019d be great to help some kid from Lincoln go to college.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barrick, 79, is acutely aware of his good fortune and hopes his gifts to SIU will help others experience a life as fulfilling as his own.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife is short. I\u2019ve been blessed more than I should,\u201d he said. \u201cIf God lets me get out of bed, it\u2019s time to do something nice that day. You can\u2019t just lay at home all day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I talk to the big guy upstairs, he\u2019s been pretty fair to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
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